It's a common belief that people experiencing poverty or homelessness simply need to put in more effort or "try harder" to improve their situation. But real life isn’t that simple – and it’s easy to overlook the reality of systemic barriers, personal crises, and economic challenges that can stand in their way.

Take Linda*, a woman we connected with during outreach efforts. For years, she was one of the countless faces in our community, quietly shouldering struggles that most would never see. Initially, Linda kept her distance, greeting our team with little more than a polite nod when we visited neighbors in the park. But as trust slowly took root, her story unfolded.

Linda had lost everything after an unexpected crisis—her home, her sense of security, and even access to the medications that kept her mental health in balance. She spent days and nights alone, but one constant was an outreach team member who showed up week after week, offering respect and belief in her potential.

After months of persistence, Linda took a brave step and shared her readiness to resume her medication. In that moment, our outreach team was there to guide her through the steps toward healing, accompanying her to the pharmacy. This act, though small, symbolized a monumental achievement in Linda's life and highlighted the profound impact of patient, compassionate outreach.

The Reality Behind the Myth:

It’s rarely about “just trying harder.” Poverty is shaped by complicated factors, from sudden life events to limited access to affordable housing and healthcare. Linda’s story is a reminder that with the right support, people can rebuild despite incredible odds. Many individuals, like Linda, are working hard every day to get back on their feet, even while facing huge challenges. In fact, nearly 34% of homeless individuals are employed but still struggle to afford housing due to rising costs and stagnant wages.

*Note: Names have been changed to respect privacy.